2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Mar 18, 2026

2015-2016 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

SCRN 123 - Factual Film and Television

Focusing on the recent found-footage craze in film and television, this course theorizes the various tactics through which contemporary media deceive audiences precisely by telling the truth–delivering content that seduces by appearing actual, or “really real.” Beginning with a close reading of four notable found-footage films–The Blair Witch Project (1999), Paranormal Activity (2007), Cloverfield (2008) and Chronicle (2012)–we will go on to establish the historical, aesthetic, and generic contexts that have made such films possible. Special attention will be paid to media texts that are notorious for having taken liberties with the truth, such as Nanook of the North (1922), “The War of the Worlds” radio drama (1938), David Holzman’s Diary (1967), F for Fake (1973), The Thin Blue Line (1988), and Ghostwatch (1992, TV). Students wishing to enroll should note that this is not in any sense a “film appreciation” course, but instead a serious, rigorous course in Film and Media Studies. The major workload will comprise a series of written analyses based on weekly screenings, in which students will grapple not only with narrative (i.e. scripted plots), but also with the intricacies of film form (i.e., editing, sound, cinematography, lighting, production design, and so on). A mid-term exam and final project are also required. Completion of SCRN 101 (Foundations of Screen Studies) prior to taking this course is recommended but not required.

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: AP

Anticipated Terms Offered: Offered periodically